Pests in Christmas decor

Pests in Christmas decor have hilariously become a part of our holiday traditions. Watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is something many of us include in our December playlist. The infamous scene of Chevy Chase being attacked by the squirrel living in his tree will live forever!

How DID the squirrel get into the Griswold’s tree? 

He hitchhiked, of course! We say this again and again, the biggest key to keeping your home pest-free is never letting pests into your home. One of the easiest ways for pests to get into your home at this time of year is via your Christmas decorations. 

What attracts pests to Christmas decor?

As you unpack the precious ornaments your children made long ago, have you noticed any changes? The ice cream cone reindeer may be missing his cinnamon candy nose. 

 Pests enjoy edible ornaments children make like candy cane reindeer and cookie dough snowmen. Some ornaments that we might not consider to be edible, pests do! 

It’s not too late!

If you have already decorated for the season, pack them up appropriately when you take them down. Here are a few tips to keep pests out of your Christmas decorations over the next year:

• Store everything in air tight plastic containers. Cardboard boxes are not an option.
• If you have an artificial tree, wrap it up tightly in plastic.
• If you have hung artificial wreaths or garlands outside, shake them out and wrap them just as tightly. At the very least, store them in an air tight plastic tub.

As you lug boxes to and from your attic, basement or storage room, consider how pests can get in the box. It’s not hard to get into a cardboard box if you are a pest.

Next Christmas, when you bring decor back into your house, just remember you are bringing ALL of the contents into your house. Keeping pests away is important when decorations are going up or coming down! 

Starting with a basement, attic, storage room and home that are already pest free helps keep pests away year round. What you bring into your home at the holidays is something you can control. 

Lawn and Pest Solutions in New Albany, MS can help you prevent pests year round. We have licensed technicians who are trained to thoroughly inspect your home and treat them for your specific needs. We service Memphis, TN and all over North Mississippi with pest services for inside and outside of your home or business. Contact us here to begin your pest free holidays.